A good call – resident revisits fond memories

A HORNDEAN care home resident was thrilled when she was surprised with a switchboard just like the one she had worked on 72 years ago. When the team at Care UK’s Pear Tree Court learned that resident June Taylor, 88, was a former telephonist and was keen to relive her fond memories, they were determined to make her wish come true.

Home manager Pooja Dhoot said: “June often talks about when she used to work as a telephonist and how much she loved her job, and so we were thrilled to help reunite her with equipment she once used.

“We are always looking at ways we can encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives and so we are delighted we could help June reminisce and share her experience with us.

“It was wonderful to see her face light up the minute she saw the switchboard and to hear so many stories from her younger years working as a telephonist.

“I’d like to thank the team for helping to organise the switchboard surprise and to June for sharing her fascinating memories.”

June was born in Eastham in London on May 25, 1935.

When June left school at 16 years old she got herself a job at a small company telephone exchange.

This was when June first worked on switchboards.

June then went to work on Regent Street in London at the Texaco oil company.

Being fairly petite, June found it amusing that if the switchboard was very high she would have to stand on her chair to reach the top.

June married Gordon in 1955 and they had two boys and two girls. While her children were little, in the evenings June worked in the General Post Office as a telephonist.

She would work until 11pm and had to get the last bus home, while her husband looked after the children. She retired in 1986 after working as a telephonist for 36 years.

After the team learned of June’s rich history being a telephonist, they knew they wanted to do something to surprise her.

They organised for a replica switchboard to made in the home and June was reunited with the equipment she used every day.

June said: “There was nothing hard about my job, but the really good thing was that I enjoyed it.

“I have such fond memories and love the friendships I made over the years, so it was great to see a switchboard once again.”